FRASER ISLAND: March... it’s that time of year again when Dingo
romance fills the air and the annual mating season begins on the world’s
largest sand island.During Autumn, visitors to the island can expect to see Dingoes (Canis dingo) showing dominance, scent marking and protecting their territory
on island.And, as we head towards the
Easter holiday peak, we advise would-be visitors to take the time to familiarise themselves
with Queensland Parks’ Dingo Safety Tips ahead of their visit to the Great Sandy
National Park.

Fraser Dingo Photo: Paul Forrester

DID YOU KNOW Fraser
Island’s Dingo population have significant conservation value because they have
rarely bred with domestic or feral dogs?

Our
beautiful Fraser Island Dingoes are very different to domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in that they only come into season once a
year (during Autumn) compared to the domestic dogs ability to come into season
at least twice a year.

Consequently, the
population fluctuates throughout the year and numbers peak with dingo pup
births from June to August. The latest Dingo
census data suggests the island is home to 25-30 packs – each containing
between 3 and 12 animals… although we have to stress that it is possible to
visit Fraser and not catch a glimpse of these elusive animals.
OUR TOP TIPS: Both Kingfisher Bay Resort (to the west) and Eurong Beach Resort
(on the surf side) are surrounded by Dingo fences. Please remember to keep
gates shut if you’re exiting out onto the beach or into the National Park. And remember, feeding dingoes disturbs their natural ecological balance - there are hefty fines for those that ignore the rules.

Dingoes on 75-Mile Beach Photo: Troy Geltch

RANGER FACT: Dingoes have an interesting dominance hierarchy where an alpha
male and female take their place at the top of an established pack. This
dominant pair is generally the only successful breeders, leaving the subordinate
members to assist in rearing the young. Following mating, a relatively short gestation period of around nine
weeks (similar to domestic cats and dogs) takes place, eventuating in the birth
of around 4-6 pups.

From one Australian icon to another… a glorious flock of
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua
galerita - see left) has been enjoying (maybe a little too much) the many species of
Eucalypts on island.

A Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo At Kingfisher Bay

Close to the resort, you can expect to
see the Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus racemosa - see below),
which is easily identifiable by the graffiti-like scribbles from the Scribbly Gum moth
larvae tunnelling their way through the bark to feed
on the gum underneath; our distinctive Paperbarks (Melalucia alternifolia), which contains the magical anti-bacterial
properties of Tea-tree oil found within its leaves; and the simply beautiful
Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora costata),
which lights up the Eucalpyt forest with its rusty-stained bark and iridescent
green leaves.

Scribbly Gum Pic: GoingFeralOneDayAtATime.Com

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos have been messily feasting on the seeds
from our Eucalypt species above as well as berries and nuts from other trees
around our front yard Cockatoos are an
Aussie icon, grow to around 48-55 centimetres and can weigh up to a kilo.

You’ll
easily identify these ones by their bright yellow crest and a raucous squawk (follow this link to Birds in Backyards and scroll down to the right hand side) as they
fly around the grounds - they are very hard to miss. Due to their size and rambunctious nature
they often make quite the mess whilst they bite off branches and leaves - not because
they’re hungry, but to keep their bills from growing too large.

Today (March 3) is World Wildlife Day, so we're publishing this blog a little earlier that usual to honour all our weird and wonderful wildlife in our backyard...

Lake McKenzie one day after TC Marcia crossed the Queensland coast at Yeppoon Pic: Ranger Gaz

Autumn has arrived Tree huggers and Fraser Island has come alive as the southerly breezes roll in and the wet season departs. We’re pleased to report that last month’s Tropical Cyclone Marcia – which hit the headlines worldwide and crossed the Queensland coast at Yeppoon, some 435 kilometres (or a 5 hour drive) to the north of Hervey Bay - scooted around us and did not leave a noticeable footprint on our shores.

Guests on our guided walks are always blown away by the sheer quantity of blue-tinged Soldier Crabs (Mictyris longicarpus) that habitually appear in immense numbers in the inter-tidal zone along the foreshore of the western beach. These crabs are so named because the males patrol the beach at low tide in large armies walking forwards - not sideways like other species of crabs including the Ghost Crabs (Ocypode cordimana), Sand Bubbler Crabs (Scopimera inflata) and Orange-clawed Fiddler Crabs (Uca vomeris), which are also found right here on Fraser Island.

A lone Solider Crab on the western beach of Fraser

DID YOU KNOW Soldier Crabs feed on detritus (organic matter produced by the decomposition of organisms) and microorganisms in the sand? They do this by travelling across the beach at low tide and by using their claws bring sand up to their mouth – a process which leaves round pellets on the beach behind them.

When the feeding’s done; the tide rises; or if spooked, the crabs bury themselves in a corkscrew fashion under the sand in essentially a sand cocoon with enough room for air and a sand cap on top for added protection against predators such as migratory wader birds and rays.

A stone’s throw from the beach, and we have been under attack in our Wallum heath by the villainous feral Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) – a species that is native to Central and South America and was introduced into Australia to control the native grey-backed cane beetle which were destroying sugar crops. Since their release, feral toads have bred rapidly and have fast become pests in their own right.

Cane Toad Pic: camilletravels.wordpress.com

FERAL FACT: According to Wikipedia, the long-term effects of toads on the Australian environment are difficult to determine, however effects include the depletion of native species that die eating cane toads; the poisoning of pets and humans; depletion of native fauna preyed on by cane toads; and reduced prey populations for native insectivores, such as skinks.

In news that has the scientific community on their toady toes, a group of scientists from the University of Sydney have been trialling a new eradication program at Waddy Point on Fraser Island - using the cane toads’ venom against their spawn aims to stop the breeding cycle. Cane Toad tadpoles are attracted by the venom and are caught in traps – researchers caught up to 10,000 a day - whilst native tadpoles are repelled by the venom and hop the other way.

The scientists say results have been excellent and that this novel approach could hold the key to completely eradicating this pest in our island backyard. Until this happens, we have our very own superhero to help thwart this dastardly foe - the one and only Keelback or Freshwater Snake (Tropidonophis mairii). This very mild-mannered, non-venomous snake is a part of the Colubridae family of ‘rear fanged’ snakes which includes a couple of other island residents - the Brown Tree Snake or ‘Night Tiger’ (Boiga irregularis), and the Common or Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata).

Keelbacks eat toads and frogs. Pic: canetoadsinoz.com

Rarely seen around the resort, you’ll find Keelbacks in well-watered habitats near creeks or in low lying areas on Fraser Island as well as along the eastern and northern coasts of Queensland.

What we love is that this species has become a true unsung hero of Fraser Island - and Queensland for that matter - as they are one of the only native snake species to have a tolerance to the bufotoxin, which Cane Toads produce from glands along their backs and behind their eyes. This, of course, has allowed them to successfully prey upon our island feral Cane Toads and help control population numbers.

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Why Fraser Island?

Things to do on Fraser Island

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About Me

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a rare and beautiful holiday destination, at the start of the Great Barrier Reef, offering a refreshing change from the hustle of mainland Australia and the resort islands of Queensland’s north.
The island’s untamed wilderness and rugged, natural charm entices from the first, providing 4WD adventure and excitement, but also a relaxing atmosphere from your base at beautiful, eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort.